Cruise tourism in St Kitts and Nevis is currently on the rise, according to Minister of Public Infrastructure Ian “Patches” Liburd, and there was definitely a need to build a 2nd cruise pier at Port Zante, Basseterre.
On Wednesday’s edition of Working for You, the Minister said the 2nd pier would be in an ideal location as it built upon the infrastructure of the area, and added that the US$48 million project would meet the demand to accommodate more and bigger cruise ships.
The pier will be able to berth 2 Oasis class ships, which are the largest and longest passenger ships in the world. In the original plans, the 2nd cruise pier was designed to accommodate only one, said Liburd.
The cost moved from US$32 to US$48 million. A CH2M Hill Report said the designs were incomplete and only one Oasis class vessel would be accommodated. So, the design of the pier had to be lengthened and widened. Also included was an upgrade of Amina Craft Market area for taxi, tour operators, security and other amenities as well as a tug. All these were included in the US$48 million.
According to the minister the cruise ship calls have moved to 569 per year. The construction of the pier is expected to be finished within 18 months, just in time for 2019 cruise season.